UAE and Kazakhstan Strengthen Ties: Exploring Cooperation Opportunities

UAE and Kazakhstan are deepening their economic partnership with non-oil trade reaching $5.6 billion in 2024, as both countries expand cooperation across sectors from artificial intelligence to space technology. The milestone comes as the nations work to build stronger investment ties and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei led his country's delegation to the 10th Joint Committee session in Astana, alongside Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Jaslan Madiyev. The high-level talks covered international cooperation, investment, finance, healthcare, transport services, artificial intelligence, space, and energy sectors.

The meeting builds on momentum from Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to Astana in May 2025, which reinforced both countries' commitment to expanding strategic cooperation. For investors and businesses, this signals growing opportunities in Central Asia's largest economy and the UAE's position as a regional hub.

Both sides highlighted the significant jump in bilateral trade volumes, with the $5.6 billion figure representing strong economic ties and expanding mutual investments. This growth comes as Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, while the UAE looks to strengthen its presence in Central Asian markets.

Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE's approach of sustainable partnerships and economic diversification to achieve mutual prosperity. The strategy aligns with the UAE's broader push to expand its economic footprint across emerging markets, particularly in regions with strong growth potential like Central Asia.

The UAE delegation included senior representatives from multiple ministries and major state-owned companies including Mubadala, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and the UAE Space Agency. This broad representation signals the comprehensive nature of the partnership and the range of sectors where cooperation is expanding.

On the sidelines, Al Mazrouei held a roundtable at the Astana International Financial Center with Governor Renat Bekturov. The discussions focused on implementing agreed projects and opening new cooperation channels for small and medium enterprises in vital sectors.

The meetings also included political consultations between the two foreign ministries, with discussions covering bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest. Separate talks with Kazakhstan's transport and energy ministers explored opportunities in logistics, shipping corridors, and current and future energy projects.

For the broader region, this partnership represents Kazakhstan's strategy to attract Gulf investment and expertise, while giving the UAE access to Central Asia's resources and markets. The cooperation spans traditional sectors like energy and newer areas like artificial intelligence, positioning both countries for future economic growth.